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The present invention relates to an inhalation device (1), to the use
thereof, and to a kit comprising the inhalation device. The inhalation
device (1) has an air inlet (14), an air outlet (15) designed as a
mouthpiece or nosepiece, and a recess (17) which is designed to receive a
container (2) with an inhalable substance. An air duct (L) extends from
the air inlet (14) through the recess (17) to the air outlet (15).
Moreover, the inhalation device (1) has at least one hollow mandrel (16,
16') which protrudes into the recess (17) and from which at least one air
delivery line (14', 14'') extends to the air inlet (14) or at least one
air outlet line (15') extends to the air outlet (15). The inhalation
device (1) is characterized in that the inhalation device (1) has two
limbs (11, 12), each with a work end (11', 12') and with an actuation end
(11'', 12''), wherein the limbs (11, 12) are connected by means of a
joint (13) which lies between the work ends (11', 12') and the actuation
ends (11'', 12''). Furthermore, the recess (17) is defined between the
mutually facing sides of both limbs (11, 12) at the work ends (11', 12'),
wherein the at least one hollow mandrel (16, 16') is arranged inside the
recess (17) on one of the mutually facing sides of both limbs (11, 12).
The air inlet (14) and the air outlet (15) are arranged at the work end
(11', 12') on a side, directed away from the recess (17), of at least one
of the limbs (11, 12).

16. An inhalation device (1) comprising an air inlet (14), an air outlet
(15) designed as a mouthpiece or nosepiece, and a recess (17) designed to
accommodate a container (2) containing an inhalable substance, an air
channel (L) stretching from the air inlet (14) to the air outlet (15)
through the recess (17) and the inhalation device (1) having at least one
hollow spike (16, 16') which protrudes into the recess (17) and from
which at least one air feed line (14', 14'') stretches to the air inlet
(14) or at least one air outlet line (15') stretches to the air outlet
(15), wherein the inhalation device (1) comprises two arms (11, 12)
having in each case an action end (11', 12') and an actuation end (11'',
12''), the arms (11, 12) are joined by a joint (13) positioned between
the action ends (11', 12') and the actuation ends (11'', 12''), the
recess (17) are defined between the mutually facing sides of the two arms
(11, 12) at the action ends (11', 12'), the at least one hollow spike
(16, 16') are arranged inside the recess (17) on one of the mutually
facing sides of the two arms (11, 12), and the air inlet (14) and the air
outlet (15) is arranged at the action end (11', 12') on a side of at
least one of the arms (11, 12), which side is facing away from the recess
(17), and it being possible for the action ends (11', 12') to be opened
or closed by actuation of the arms (11, 12) at the actuation ends (11'',
12''), the joint (13) being designed such that an open position (a) of
the action ends (11', 12') is provided upon the actuation ends (11'',
12'') being brought together.

17. The inhalation device (1) as claimed in claim 16, wherein a reset
device (13') is in operative connection with the two arms (11, 12) in
order to provide a closed position of the action ends (11', 12').

18. The inhalation device (1) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the joint
(13) comprises the reset device (13') and is designed as an arm spring or
preferably as a film-hinge-type joint (13), or the reset device (13') is
an elastic strap arranged around the action ends (11', 12') or is a
spring (13'), preferably a coil spring, arranged between the actuation
ends (11'', 12'').

19. The inhalation device (1) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
inhalation device (1) comprises a single hollow spike (16') having an
integrated bypass air supply line (14''), or comprises at least two
hollow spikes (16), of which at least one is assigned to the air inlet
(14) via the at least one air feed line (14') and at least one is
assigned to the air outlet (15) via the at least one air outlet line
(15'), the at least two hollow spikes (16) both being arranged on one of
the arms (11, 12) or at least one of the at least two hollow spikes (16)
being arranged on each arm (11, 12), and the hollow spikes (16) being
arranged opposite one another or offset with respect to one another.

20. The inhalation device (1) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
inhalation device (1) is made from plastic, at least partially; from
plastic, preferably except for the at least one hollow spike (16, 16');
or from plastic, particularly preferably as one piece and entirely,
preferably in an injection-molding process.

21. The inhalation device (1) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at
least one hollow spike (16, 16') is pyramid-shaped, preferably having a
triangular base area.

22. The inhalation device (1)as claimed in claim 16, wherein the air
inlet (14) and/or the air feed line (14') comprises aerodynamic air
diversion elements which are preferably created integrally with the
inhalation device.

23. The inhalation device (1) as claimed in claim 21, wherein an air feed
line (14') is provided on each side of the pyramid-shaped hollow spike
(16, 16'), which air feed lines are preferably arranged asymmetrically in
relation to the hollow spike (16, 16') and/or have different diameters.

24. The inhalation device (1) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
inhalation device (1) comprises a heating device containing a heating
element which protrudes into the recess (17), or is arranged in or along
the air inlet (14) and/or the air feed line (14', 14'').

25. The inhalation device (1) as claimed in claim 16, further comprising
a disagglomeration attachment (30) which is arranged on the air outlet
(15) in a detachable or nondetachable manner and has a disagglomeration
structure (31) which stretches across the entire cross section of the air
outlet (15).

26. The inhalation device (1) as claimed in claim 25, wherein the
disagglomeration structure (31) is latticed, the latticed
disagglomeration structure (31) being planar or curved, a curvature
direction and/or a mesh size being selectable depending on the powder to
be inhaled using the inhalation device (1).

27. A method of using an inhalation device (1) as claimed in claim 16,
comprising perforating a container (2) containing an inhalable substance
and providing the substance for inhalation.

28. An inhalation kit comprising an inhalation device (1) and at least
one container (2) containing an inhalable substance, wherein the
inhalation device is an inhalation device (1) as claimed in claim 16.

29. The inhalation kit as claimed in claim 28, wherein the container (2)
comprises a narrowing (24) which, upon arrangement of the container (2)
in the recess (17) of the inhalation device (1), is arranged between the
at least one air feed line (14', 14'') and the at least one air outlet
line (15').

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an inhalation device by means of which an
inhalable substance present in a container in the device can be inhaled.
Furthermore, the invention relates to an inhalation kit consisting of
inhalation device and container and to use of the inhalation device.

[0002] In the case of conventional inhalers which are used with a
container containing a substance as powder dose for a single application
(single dose), such as a capsule or a blister for example, a fixed
combination of inhaler and container is stipulated: in this case, only a
certain container type can be used with the available inhaler. In the
event of a defect or loss of the inhaler, the user can no longer use the
containers that are still available.

[0003] An example of a single-dose inhaler is disclosed in DE 10 2005 043
449 B3. It describes an inhalation device having a tubular housing which
is axially divided into two housing parts which delimit an axial
through-channel and of which one is designed as a mouthpiece or nosepiece
and the other as an air inlet. Fitted together, the two housing parts
form a chamber for accommodating a capsule containing an inhalable
powder. For the perforation of the capsule inserted into the chamber,
each housing part has a pyramid-shaped spike protruding into the chamber,
and so the capsule is perforated at opposite ends and a passage
communicating with the through-channel is generated by the capsule when
the housing parts are axially moved toward one another.

[0004] Proceeding from this prior art, it is an object of the present
invention to provide an easily and cost-effectively producible inhalation
device for single-dose containers with a broad usage spectrum, which is
easy to use.

[0005] This object is achieved by an inhalation device having the features
of claim 1.

[0006] Preferred embodiments are stated in the dependent claims.

[0007] Furthermore, use of the inhalation device having the features of
claim 10 is disclosed.

[0008] The further object of providing an easily usable and
cost-effectively producible inhalation kit is achieved by the inhalation
kit having the features of independent claim 11.

[0009] Like conventional inhalation devices, an inhalation device
according to the invention comprises an air inlet, an air outlet designed
as a mouthpiece or nosepiece, and a recess designed to accommodate a
container containing an inhalable substance. The inhalable substance can,
for example, be an active-ingredient-containing powder or a vaporizable
aroma preparation. In the inhalation device, an air channel stretches
from the air inlet to the air outlet through the recess, into which one
or more hollow spikes protrude. Depending on the number of hollow spikes,
an air feed line stretches from the hollow spike in question to the air
inlet or an air outlet line stretches from the hollow spike in question
to the air outlet. According to the invention, the inhalation device
comprises, similarly to pliers or a clothespin, two arms having in each
case an action end and an actuation end, the arms being joined by means
of a joint lying between the action ends and the actuation ends. The
recess designed to accommodate the container is defined between the
mutually facing sides of the two arms at the action ends, the hollow
spike(s) being arranged inside the recess on one of the mutually facing
sides of the two arms. Depending on the arrangement of the hollow spikes,
the air inlet and the air outlet are arranged at the action end on a side
of at least one of the arms, which side is facing away from the recess.
Advantageously, the inhalation device according to the invention can be
extremely small in dimension and be of a size similar to that of a pocket
lighter. In addition, an inhalation device according to the invention has
a broad usage spectrum, since it is possible to use various containers,
for example both blisters and capsules.

[0010] In different embodiments of the inhalation device according to the
invention, the action ends can--depending on the design of the joint--be
opened or closed by actuation of the arms at the actuation ends; however,
the joint can be preferably designed such that an open position of the
action ends is provided upon the actuation ends being brought together.

[0011] Furthermore, an inhalation device according to the invention can
comprise a reset device which is in operative connection with the two
arms in order to provide a closed position of the action ends, i.e., the
reset force provided by the reset device counteracts the opening of the
action ends or assists the closing of the action ends.

[0012] Preferably, the joint can comprise the reset device, meaning that
the inhalation device is constructed from as few components as possible.
In this connection, an arm spring can simultaneously serve as joint and
reset device, or these functions can, in a particularly preferred
embodiment, be assumed by a film hinge which--when the inhalation device
is made of plastic--can be integrally joined to the arms.

[0013] However, it is also possible to provide a reset device which is
separate from the joint and which can, for example, be an elastic strap
arranged around the action ends or be a spring, preferably coil spring,
arranged between the arms at the actuation ends.

[0014] A further embodiment of an inhalation device according to the
invention comprises a single hollow spike provided with an integrated
bypass air supply line. Another embodiment of an inhalation device
according to the invention provides at least two hollow spikes, of which
at least one is assigned to the air inlet via the at least one air feed
line and at least one is assigned to the air outlet via the at least one
air outlet line. Multiple air feed lines or air outlet lines can be
assigned to each hollow spike. The two or more hollow spikes can be
arranged on one of the arms, meaning that air inlet and air outlet are
situated on the same side on the same arm. Alternatively, at least one of
the two or more hollow spikes can be arranged on each arm, meaning that
air inlet and air outlet point in opposite directions on both arms. In
this connection, the hollow spikes can either be arranged opposite one
another or be arranged offset with respect to one another.

[0015] The inhalation device can cost-effectively be made partially or
preferably entirely and as one piece from plastic in an injection-molding
process. Optionally, the hollow spike(s) can be composed of metal instead
of plastic and be integrated, effectively as an insert, into the
injection-molded inhalation device.

[0016] Thus, the inhalation device cost-effectively produced in a plastics
injection-molding process can advantageously also be envisaged as a
replacement inhaler and is also suitable for sale or distribution in
Third World countries.

[0017] Each hollow spike can be pyramid-shaped, it being possible to give
preference to pyramids having a triangular base area, since the edges
here exhibit an optimal cutting result in the penetration of the
container wall. If the inhalation device comprises more than one hollow
spike, these can also be designed differently.

[0018] To improve the air flow conditions through the container, the air
inlet and/or the air feed line can comprise aerodynamic air diversion
elements which, for example, rotate or twist the air stream. Preferably,
said air diversion elements are created integrally with the inhalation
device and not as separate elements, especially when the inhalation
device is made in a plastics injection-molding process.

[0019] In the case of a pyramid-shaped hollow spike, an air feed line can
be provided on each side. To twist the sucked-in air stream, the air feed
lines can be arranged asymmetrically, i.e., in the case of an even
three-sided pyramid not at an angle of 120.degree. . Alternatively or
additionally, the air feed lines can have different diameters in order to
generate a desired vortex at the inlet into the container.

[0020] Furthermore, the inhalation device can, especially since it is also
intended for use with containers containing a vaporizable substance,
comprise a heating device containing a heating element which protrudes
into the recess or is arranged in or along the air inlet and/or the air
feed line. Such a heating device can be operated using an energy source
such as a battery or an accumulator, for which it is possible to provide
in one of the arms an accommodating compartment having corresponding
electrical contacts that are connected to the heating device.

[0021] To improve the disagglomeration of the powder to be inhaled, the
inhalation device can comprise a disagglomeration attachment which is
arranged on the air outlet in a detachable or nondetachable manner and
has a disagglomeration structure which can stretch across the entire
cross section of the air outlet.

[0022] The disagglomeration structure can be latticed and thus
additionally serve to collect film fragments, it being possible for the
latticed disagglomeration structure to be planar or curved. The curvature
direction, which can be concave or convex, and also the mesh size of the
latticed disagglomeration structure can be selected depending on the
nature of the powder to be inhaled using the inhalation device.

[0023] According to the invention, said inhalation device can be used for
perforating a container containing an inhalable substance and for
providing the substance for inhalation.

[0024] An inhalation kit according to the invention comprises an
inhalation device according to the invention and at least one container
containing an inhalable substance.

[0025] The container can comprise a narrowing which, upon arrangement of
the container in the recess of the inhalation device, be arranged between
the air feed line and the air outlet line or correspondingly between
multiple air feed lines and air outlet lines and ensure a quickening of
the air stream and, as a result, an improved powder entrainment and
disagglomeration.

[0026] Further embodiments and also some of the advantages associated with
these and further embodiments will become clear and more easily
understandable through the following detailed description with reference
to the accompanying figures. Items or parts thereof which are essentially
identical or similar may be provided with the same reference signs. The
figures are merely schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of
the invention.

[0027] In the figures:

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an inhalation device
according to the invention a) with indicated air flow channel and b) in
the open state,

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of an alternative inhalation
device according to the invention,

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of a further alternative
inhalation device according to the invention,

[0032] FIG. 5 shows a powder or aroma container suitable for use with the
inhalation device from FIG. 4,

[0033] FIG. 6 shows a one-piece inhalation device according to the
invention having an alternatively designed accommodation area/cavity in
a) perspective view and b) front view,

[0034] FIG. 7 shows a powder or aroma container suitable for use with the
inhalation device from FIG. 6,

[0035] FIG. 8 shows a one-piece inhalation device according to the
invention having a single hollow spike in a) perspective view, b)
longitudinal sectional view,

[0036] FIG. 9 shows a powder or aroma container suitable for use with the
inhalation device from FIG. 8,

[0037] FIG. 10 shows a one-piece inhalation device according to the
invention having two hollow spikes on one arm in a) perspective view, b)
longitudinal sectional view, c) top view and d) bottom view,

[0038] FIG. 11 shows a powder or aroma container suitable for use with the
inhalation device from FIG. 10,

[0039] FIG. 12 shows a side view of a one-piece inhalation device having
two hollow spikes on one arm with accommodated container,

[0042] FIG. 15 shows a lateral sectional view through an inhalation device
having a disagglomeration structure at the air outlet,

[0043] FIG. 16 shows a top view of the inhalation device from FIG. 15.

[0044] The device according to the invention concerns an inhalation device
for the nasal and/or inhalation-based administration of common containers
such as capsules, individual blisters or cartridges containing an
inhalable substance. This can be a pulverulent or vaporizing or
vaporizable inhalable active ingredient or aromatic substance.

[0045] So that an inhalation device according to the invention can be used
as replacement inhaler or emergency inhaler and be sold or distributed in
Third World countries, where patients or charities cannot afford
relatively expensive inhalers, the main focus is on cost-effective
production, broad usage spectrum and simple handling. Therefore, this
simple inhaler is designed such that various powder or aroma
containers--both blisters and capsules, etc.--can be used therewith;
however, variants of the inhalation device according to the invention can
also be designed such that a combination with a certain powder or aroma
container is particularly appropriate.

[0046] Similarly to pliers, an inhalation device 1 according to the
invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, is constructed from
two arms 11, 12 joined by means of a joint 13. The arm ends on the one
side of the joint 13 have, as action ends 11', 12', action sites such as
needles, spikes 16, 16' or blades and a holding or accommodating device
17 for a container 2 (see FIGS. 5, 7, 9, 12, 13), whereas the arms ends
on the other side of the joint 13 are designed as handles or actuation
ends 11'', 12'' for opening or closing the inhalation device 1 at the
action ends 11', 12'. The action ends 11', 12' are opened in order to
insert or remove a container 2; upon closure of the action ends 11', 12',
the inserted container 2 is opened or perforated by the particular
opening means--needles, (hollow) spikes 16, 16' or blades. When the
action ends 11', 12' are closed, the inhalation device 1 containing the
inserted container 2 is ready for use.

[0047] Depending on the design of arms and joint, the actuation movement
at the actuation ends can be in the same direction as or in the opposite
direction to the movement at the action ends. In the same direction means
that the actuation ends being brought together brings about a closure of
the action ends and that the actuation ends being moved apart brings
about an opening of the action ends. In the case of a mode of operation
in the opposite direction (as shown in the figures), the actuation ends
11'', 12'' being brought together brings about an opening of the action
ends 11', 12' and vice versa. In general, all joints which are also known
as plier joints are possible: a simple applied scissors articulation, in
which the arms are put on top of one another and joined with a pivot
bolt, a pushed-through scissors articulation, in which one arm is guided
through an opening in the other arm, or an elastic connection of both
arms that acts in an articulated manner.

[0048] In this connection, it can be envisaged that the handles or
actuation ends as lever arms (force arms) are longer than the action ends
(load arms), and so it is possible to achieve a more favorable
transmission ratio between the force to be applied at the actuation ends
and the opening path of the action ends.

[0049] In general, an actuation at the actuation ends may be necessary for
both opening and closing the action ends; however, an inhalation device
according to the invention will preferably comprise a reset device, which
provides a pretension for closed action ends. As sketched in FIG. 1b, in
order to transfer the action ends 11', 12' to the open position
(indicated by double arrow a) of such an inhalation device 1, said
pretension must be overcome by application of the force at the actuation
ends 11'', 12'' (indicated by the block arrows F); however, after
insertion of the container, the action ends 11', 12' automatically close
(go to the closed position) when force is no longer exerted on the
actuation ends, and the inhalation device 1 thus becomes ready for use as
a result of the perforation of the container taking place at the same
time, as depicted in FIG. 1a, though without container.

[0050] The dashed arrow L in FIGS. 1a, 2 and 3 indicates the path of an
air flow through the inhalation device 1 when a container (not depicted)
is accommodated in the recess 17 and perforated by the hollow spikes 16.

[0051] The air flow L is generated by an inhalation performed by a user at
the air outlet 15 formed as a mouthpiece. In general, the air outlet 15,
as indicated in FIG. 2, can also be formed as a nose nozzle. When using
the inhalation device 1, ambient air flows through an air inlet 14, which
can, as in FIG. 2, also be formed as an inlet funnel or similar, through
an air feed line 14' to a first hollow spike 16, which protrudes into the
recess 17 in which the container (not depicted) is accommodated and at
the same time penetrates a wall of said container. The air flow L passes
through the container, carries off the substance present, i.e., a powder
or vaporized aromas, while doing so and exits at the second hollow spike
16, from which the air outlet line 15' stretches to the air outlet 15.
The air inlet 14 or the air feed line 14' can contain aerodynamic air
diversion elements (not depicted in the figures) which rotate or twist
the drawn-in air stream, wherein the air diversion element(s) are not a
separate component, but are created integrally with the corresponding
arm, preferably in an injection-molding process.

[0052] The air inlet 14 and air outlet 15 can, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
be distributed on both arms 11, 12 or, as depicted in FIG. 3, be arranged
on one arm 11. An arrangement of the hollow spikes 16 (on one arm or both
arms, opposite or offset) that is connected to the arrangement of the air
inlet 14 and air outlet 15 can also be geared to a desired flow profile
through the container. Furthermore, the flow can be influenced by the
shape of the openings in the hollow spike 16 and of an edge contour of
said openings (sharp-edged, rounded, etc.).

[0053] Advantageously, the reset device can be simultaneously designed as
the joint, as is the case, for example, by means of an arm spring 13, 13'
(cf. FIG. 1), as in a clothespin, or by means of the plastics film joint
13 which is shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 and which elastically
connects the arms 11, 12.

[0054] However, it is not out of the question to also provide a reset
device 13' separate from a simple joint 13, as shown in FIG. 2 with a
coil spring arranged between the actuation ends 11'', 12'' and in FIG. 3
with an elastic strap arranged around the action ends 11', 12'.

[0055] The action ends 11', 12' of an inhalation device 1 according to the
invention comprise hollow spikes 16 which protrude into the recess 17 and
are assigned to the air inlet 14 and air outlet 15 (except for a variant
shown in FIG. 8, in which only one hollow spike 16' assigned to the air
outlet protrudes into the recess 17, though a bypass line 14'' is
integrated as air inlet).

[0056] The recess 17 can be formed on one or both action ends 11', 12'
and, depending on the design of the side walls 110, 120 and also of the
ceiling 111 and of the floor 121, be formed as a chamber with virtually
closed walls or else just as a slot with lateral boundary and contact
surface. The chamber or the contact surface can be preshaped in a manner
appropriate for a predetermined container shape, for example capsule,
cartridge or blister, in order to facilitate insertion for the user.

[0057] Using an inhalation device according to the invention, it is
possible to open capsules, blisters and special vessels having perforable
regions. A powder container which can be used with the inhalation device
according to the invention can also contain a freely movable
disagglomerator, which is swirled around in the inspiration-based air
stream and ensures improved disagglomeration and dispersion of the
powder.

[0058] As can be seen in the examples from FIGS. 1 to 3, an inhalation
device according to the invention can comprise multiple pieces and
consist of the two arms 11, 12, the joint 13 and optionally the separate
reset device 13'. The hollow spikes 16 can be produced integrally with
the arms 11, 12; however, it is also conceivable that they, for example,
are present as insert in the injection-molded arm or have been integrated
retrospectively. Whereas the arms are preferably cost-effectively made of
plastic, the hollow spikes--when they are not integrally injection-molded
with the arms--can also be composed of another material, which can, for
example, be metal, but also another (harder) plastic.

[0059] However, as can be seen in FIGS. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, an inhalation
device according to the invention can preferably be of a one-piece design
as a pliers-like clamping device which perforates the container
containing the inhalable substance by means of hollow spikes when the
action ends are brought together by the reset force or closing force.

[0060] FIGS. 4a) to e) show an inhalation device 1 according to the
invention in various views. Said inhalation device 1 is of a one-piece
design and is preferably produced in a plastics injection-molding
process. Both arms 11, 12 are joined to one another in an articulated
manner via a type of film hinge 13, which is formed such that the arms
11, 12 are pretensioned such that the action ends 11', 12' are closed. On
the upper arm 11, a mouthpiece is formed on the action end 11' as air
outlet 15, which mouthpiece is connected to the air outlet line 15',
which line stretches through the hollow spike 16, which spike is arranged
on the upper arm 11 with protrusion into the recess 17. The hollow spike
16 for the air feed line 14' on the lower arm 12 protrudes into the
recess 17 in an axially offset manner, as can be seen in FIGS. 4b) to d).
In the present example, there are three air feed lines 14' and three air
outlet lines 15', which each stretch from the air inlet or air outlet 14,
15 to the respective hollow spike 16. A distinct notch 18' is provided
around the air inlet 14 in order to prevent, for instance, an unintended
closure of the air inlet 14 by a finger.

[0061] The recess 17 on the action ends 11', 12' of the arms 11, 12 is
delimited by the side walls 110 and 120 and also the ceiling 111 and the
floor 121. However, both the ceiling 111 and the floor 121 have a window
18 opposite the respective hollow spike 16, and so it is possible to
check from the outside whether a container is correctly inserted in order
to be penetrated by both hollow spikes 16. Sufficient stability of the
lower arm 12 is ensured by bars 122, which stretch from the outwardly
curved section of the action end 12' up to alongside the window 18.

[0062] In the present example, the hollow spikes 16 are pyramid-shaped
with a triangular base area, as can be especially seen in FIGS. 4 c) and
d). The three edges of the pyramid are designed to be sharp-edged, as
cutting edges; to this end, the side areas can optionally be grooved.
Situated on each side area of the pyramid is an opening, each one
communicating with the air feed line or air outlet line 14', 15'.

[0063] For the insertion of a container containing an
active-ingredient-containing powder or an aroma preparation as inhalable
substance, for example in the form of a blister 2, as sketched in FIG. 5,
which can consist of a bowl element 20 sealed by a film element 21 on the
protruding edge 22, the actuation ends 11'', 12'' of the inhalation
device 1 are pressed together, and so the action ends 11', 12' open. The
blister 2 can then be inserted into the recess 17 in order to be
penetrated by the hollow spikes 16 upon closure of the action ends 11',
12' when the force exerted on the actuation ends 11'', 12'' is reduced.
When the action ends 11', 12' are closed, the edge 22 of the blister 2
can be clamped between the side walls 110, 120 and the hollow spikes 16
protrude into the interior of the blister 2.

[0064] In the case of the hollow spikes with cutting edges, the wall of
the blister is cut and bent open without splinter formation. Since the
openings to the air feed and air outlet lines 14', 15' are in a groove,
an air stream can pass the bent-open wall pieces unhindered.

[0065] In the further FIGS. 6, 8, 10, 12, the features corresponding to
the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 4 are only partly provided with
reference signs, since the explanations essentially do not differ or only
insignificantly differ except for the design of the recess 17 for
accommodating different containers and of the arrangement of the hollow
spikes 16, and so the explanations given for example in connection with
FIG. 4 also apply to the further examples.

[0066] The inhalation device in FIGS. 6a) and b) therefore differs from
the example depicted in FIG. 4 only in that the recess 17 has a round
cross section, and is thus optimized for accommodating a cylindrical
container such as a capsule 2 (cf. FIG. 7) consisting of two bowl
elements 20 connected to one another at an overlap 20'.

[0067] What are described here in relation to FIGS. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 are
inhalation devices 1, the recesses 17 of which are optimized for certain
containers 2; however, this is not intended to restrict the inventive
subject matter to the extent that said subject matter can only be used
with certain containers. For instance, the capsule 2 from FIG. 5 can
absolutely also be used in the inhalation device 1 from FIG. 4 that is
optimized for a blister--precisely for this purpose, the windows 18, by
means of which the position of the container can be checked, are useful.

[0068] FIG. 10 shows an inhalation device 1 in which both the air inlet 14
and the air outlet 15 are arranged on the upper arm 11. Accordingly, the
hollow spikes 16 are also only arranged on the upper arm 11 with
protrusion into the recess 17, whereas the action end 12' of the lower
arm 12 is formed with side walls 120 without a floor. Inwardly, the side
walls 120 have contact surfaces which can be shaped in a manner
appropriate for a container 2 which is intended to be accommodated. The
action end 11' of the upper arm 11 does not have side walls, but only a
ceiling 111 through which the air feed and air outlet lines 14', 15'
stretch. Thus, the ceiling 111 of the upper arm 11 forms a "lid" for the
recess 17 delimited by the side walls 120. A container 2 which can be
used in an inhalation device 1 having the hollow spikes 16 on one arm 11
is shown in FIG. 11 with a rectangular-shaped special container 2. In
line with the arrangement of the hollow spikes 16, said container 2 has
two predetermined opening sites 21' for the air inlet and air outlet.
Said opening sites 21' in the wall 23 of the container 2 are overmolded
with a plastics layer, preferably an elastomer layer (as "sealing disk"
or sealing ring). Alternatively, instead of an opening, it is also
possible to provide a thin spot in the wall 23 at the opening sites 21'.
The advantages of this embodiment are the tightness of the opening sites
21' designed with thinner wall thickness, even after withdrawal of the
hollow spikes 16, and also the absence of splinters upon opening, and the
guidance of the hollow spikes 16 that is enabled by the elastomer layer.

[0069] A special container of this kind need not be rectangular-shaped; it
can also be shaped differently, for example rounded. For example, it is
conceivable to also insert capsule-shaped containers in the inhalation
device from FIG. 10, which containers can then rest on the rounded
contact surface of the on the side wall.

[0070] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate some details or alternative embodiments
of an inhalation device 1 according to the invention, which, like the
example from FIG. 10, has air inlet and air outlet 14, 15 on the same arm
11 and is likewise produced as one piece in an injection-molding process.
However, in comparison with FIG. 10, the action ends 11', 12' are shorter
and the hollow spikes 16 for air inlet and air outlet 14, 15 are closer
together, and so it is possible to insert a shorter container 2, the edge
22 of which protrudes from the inhalation device 1, the bowl element 20
being sealed by the film element 21 on said edge 22. As a consequence of
the shortened action ends 11', 12', the mouthpiece-shaped air outlet 15
stretches up to the bulge of the arm 11 in the region of the joint 13.
FIG. 13 illustrates especially the arrangement of the blister-type
container 2 between the arms 11, 12. As can also be seen in FIG. 12, the
edge 22 protrudes forward out of the inhalation device and is
additionally clamped between the side walls 110 and 120.

[0071] In FIG. 12, it can be seen that the actuation ends 11'', 12'' are
provided with a surface structure 19 on the sides facing away from one
another, in order to facilitate actuation for the user and to allow a
safe grip without slipping. Such a surface structure 19 can, for example,
be a surface with ribs or a surface with bumps.

[0072] The inhalation device 1 from FIG. 8 is designed as "aroma inhaler"
or vaporizer for the inhalation of a vaporizing or vaporizable active
ingredient or aromatic substance with only one hollow spike 16' having an
air outlet line 15' to the air outlet 15. Said inhalation device 1 can,
but need not, have an air inlet or a bypass air supply line 14''
(depicted in dotted line in FIG. 8b); this is because the negative
pressure generated in an inserted container (see blister 2 from FIG. 9)
upon inhalation assists/promotes the vaporization of the preparation
present. However, if the negative pressure generated in the container by
the sucking-in of air during inhalation becomes too great, the user can
put down the inhalation device 1 and air can subsequently flow through
the air outlet into the container, and so it is possible to inhale again.
However, in order to prevent a negative pressure generated in the
container upon inhalation from becoming too great, it is preferably
possible to provide a bypass supply line 14'' so that, during inhalation,
air can subsequently flow into the container through the bypass supply
line 14''. An aroma preparation can comprise a carrier substance to
regulate vaporization. Unlike in FIGS. 4 and 6, the recess 17 is not
designed here to be a type of chamber; at the action end 12', the lower
arm 12 has side walls 120 with shaped contact surfaces, but no floor. The
action end 11' of the upper arm 11 consists virtually only of the ceiling
111, which forms a "lid" in relation to the side walls 120 of the lower
arm 12. Optionally, what can also be envisaged here is that the edge 22
of the blister 2 is clamped between the ceiling 111 and the side walls
120.

[0073] The active ingredients and aromatic substances inhalable using the
inhalation device according to the invention can be present both as a
powder and as a vaporizing or vaporizable solid (pasty) or liquid
preparation and comprise not only the aromatic substances (e.g.,
essential oils), but also all medicaments known for inhalation for the
treatment of respiratory diseases and pain, including migraine, and
mental impairments such as tension or depressions and also for
vaccination and for insulin therapy.

[0074] Thus, an inhalation device according to the invention can be used
not only with powder containers, enabling the inhalation of an
active-ingredient-containing powder as an aerosol, but also with
containers containing a vaporizable active-ingredient preparation or
aroma preparation, meaning that a vapor containing very fine droplets
instead of particles is inhaled.

[0075] Devices called vaporizers for vaporizing active ingredients are
known. Unlike in the case of vapor inhalers, what is directly vaporized
here is not a solution but the substance, optionally in a preparation
containing a carrier substance. The active-ingredient preparation or
aroma preparation can be present in liquid form or solid or pasty form.

[0076] By means of vaporization, it is possible to inhale not only tobacco
("electronic cigarette"), but also pharmaceutical drugs such as cannabis
or else plants, or plant parts or extracts. Examples of plants having a
sedative action are valerian (Valeriana officinalis) as sedative and
against spasmodic complaints in the gastrointestinal tract, hop (Humulus
lupulus) as mild sleep-inducing agent and sedative; St. John's wort
(Hypericum perforatum) is used for the treatment of mild to moderate
depressive moods or nervous restlessness, lavender (Lavandula
angustifolia) is used as sedative in restless states and in difficulties
with falling asleep, but also in nervous complaints concerning the
gastrointestinal tract and gall bladder, and maypop (Passiflora
incarnata) is used against nervous restless states, as sleep-inducing aid
or else as anxiolytic and antispasmodic agent. Lemon balm (Melissa
officinalis) too acts as sedative and digestion promoter.

[0077] Further examples of plants containing medicinal active ingredients
are damiana (Turnera diffusa), a natural aphrodisiac and usable against
colds, infectious diseases or blood vessel disorders and as tonic,
bluegum (Eucalyptus globulus), which is used in colds and asthma because
of its expectorant, mildly antispasmodic and antibacterial action,
Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica) against mucosa irritations in the mouth
and throat, and also in inflammations of the stomach mucosa and
intestinal mucosa. Moreover, Iceland moss acts against nausea, increases
appetite, is stimulating and is invigorating. Chamomile (Chamomilla
recutita) is used as anti-inflammatory, for cramp relief, against
flatulence and as stomachic. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) has a
stimulatory effect on bile flow and bile production, an antispasmodic
effect in gastrointestinal complaints, an antimicrobial effect and an
antiviral effect. Furthermore, the essential oil is used against
migraine, headaches and nerve pains and also in colds; sage (Salvia
officinalis) with bacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent action,
indicated in inflammations of the mouth and throat. Yarrow (Achillea
spp.) is used as tonic in digestive disorders and colics, the essential
oils have an expectorant action. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is used in
infections of the upper airways, in bronchitis and whooping cough.
Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) acts as aphrodisiac and impotence remedy.

[0078] An intoxicating, euphoric or sedating, hallucinogenic, psychoactive
or memory-opening action is had by not only cannabis (Cannabis sativa),
but also lion's tail (Leonotis leonurus, "wild dagga"), ayahuasca, yage
(Banisteriopsis caapi), blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea), fly agaric
(Amanita muscaria), kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), sinicuichi (Heimia
salicifolia), esfand (Peganum harmala) and sage of the diviners (Salvia
divinorum). These plants may also have further ingredients with drug
action, for example for pain relief, which can be expediently medically
administered by vaporization, since in this way no combustion products
are generated.

[0079] Vaporizers differ especially with respect to the feeding of the
heat of vaporization required for vaporization. What can be heated is
thus either the substance to be vaporized or the air that is fed.
Usually, the temperature can be adjusted according to the desired
vaporization temperature by means of suitable controllers and kept
constant. In this connection, the substance is preferably heated only to
the extent that the desired ingredients vaporize.

[0080] In the case of a vaporizer without feeding of heat of vaporization,
an air stream is mixed with the saturated air around the vaporizer. The
concentration of the inhalant can be controlled by splitting the supply
air stream into the vaporizer chamber and into a bypass branch. However,
it should be noted here that the saturation content is dependent on the
ambient temperature.

[0081] If an inhalation device according to the invention is designed as a
vaporizer, it is possible to provide a heating device having at least one
heating element in order to directly heat the substance to be vaporized
to a desired temperature or to heat the supply air stream to a desired
temperature. The heating device can comprise not only the heating
element, but also an energy carrier such as an accumulator or a battery.

[0082] Lastly, it should be pointed out that the hollow spikes 16, 16'
used in the inhalation device according to the invention do not
necessarily have to be designed as a pyramid-shaped spike with a
triangular base area, as can be seen in the examples in FIGS. 4 and 10.
In general, what is also conceivable is the use of sharp-edged, pointed
four-edged or five-edged spikes, in which the air feed and air outlet
openings are then, however, necessarily smaller. In addition, the cutting
edges can be less sharp-edged than in the case of a three-edged object.
FIG. 14 shows alternative hollow spike devices 16, 16': in a), a
conventional conical hollow spike 16, 16', by means of which the
container wall is, however, more pierced than cut through; in b), an
arrangement composed of multiple hollow spikes 16, 16', which are
arranged here on a common support structure 16'' (but can also be made
integrally with an inhalation device in an injection-molding process),
for assignment to the air outlet 15 or air inlet 14 or the bypass supply
air line 14''; and in c), as hollow spike 16, 16', a plate 16'' having
two openings, which are each bridged by two cutting bars 16'''. Said
cutting bars 16''' have inclined cutting edges for cutting through the
container wall, and so an air stream can penetrate through the openings
into the or out of the container. As in the case of the support structure
of the hollow spike arrangement from b), it is also possible here to omit
the plate per se in one configuration of the hollow spike arrangement on
an inhalation device, and so the openings bridged by the cutting bars
16''' are directly present in the relevant action end.

[0083] The hollow spikes can be designed as in EP 1 762 265 A1, the
content of which is hereby fully incorporated by reference, and in which
one air inlet opening is provided on each side of the pyramid-shaped
spike. Preferably, however, it is possible in the case of an inhalation
device according to the invention for the air feed openings of a hollow
spike 16, 16' to be oriented not exactly symmetrically--i.e., in the case
of a tetrahedral spike at an angle of 120.degree.--as can be seen in the
top view in FIG. 14d). Unevenly distributed air inlet openings especially
in conjunction with different diameters of the air inlet openings--the
channels of the air feed lines 14' can, for example, become successively
smaller or larger--ensure that the sucked-in air is made to move spirally
when it enters the container 2, resulting in the powder entrainment being
improved.

[0084] FIGS. 15 and 16 show a further embodiment of an inhalation device 1
according to the invention, in which there is placed on the air outlet 15
a disagglomeration attachment 30, which is provided with a latticed
disagglomeration structure 31. Said disagglomeration structure 31 assists
the disagglomeration of the powder particles carried off with the air
stream from the container, but also serves as catchment grill for film
pieces which may possibly arise during opening of the container. The
latticed disagglomeration structure 31 can be planar; preferably,
however, and depending on the powder to be inhaled, the latticed
disagglomeration structure 31 can be curved in a concave or convex
manner. The curvature and the direction thereof influence
disagglomeration and deposition. In this connection, the pharmaceutical
formulation of the powder determines which shape is more favorable. The
disagglomeration attachment 30 can be permanently fastened on the outlet
15; however, it can also be designed to be removable, and so the latticed
disagglomeration structure 31 can be easily cleaned. Moreover, a
removable disagglomeration attachment can be easily exchanged when a
different powder is to be inhaled, for which a different shape of the
latticed disagglomeration structure 31 is more favorable.

[0085] Furthermore, FIG. 15 shows an alternatively designed container 2,
the bowl element 20 of which has a narrowing 24, which, upon arrangement
in the inhalation device 1, lies between the spike 16 with the air feed
line 14' and the spike 16 with the air outlet line 15'. Owing to said
narrowing 24, the air stream through the container is quickened,
resulting in powder entrainment and disagglomeration being assisted.

[0086] Each inhalation device according to the invention can be provided
at least in part with an antiseptic or antibacterial and/or antimicrobial
coating. For instance, air inlet, air feed line, hollow spikes and air
outlet in particular can be coated in order not to inhale pathogens when
using the inhalation device. However, because of the relatively simple
application, the entire inhalation device can also be coated. An example
of such a coating is Perlazid.RTM. from Rilit, Endingen. Alternatively,
an antiseptic or antibacterial and/or antimicrobial plastic can be used
to produce the inhalation device.

[0087] Furthermore, the plastic used to produce an inhalation device
according to the invention can contain a marker which can be detected on
the finished product in order to thus achieve piracy protection, as
offered by Polysecure GmbH, Freiburg and disclosed in, for example, DE 10
2008 060 675 B4, DE 10 2012 017 710 A1, DE 10 2012 005 542 A1 or DE 10
2012 003 519 A1.